Thursday, April 9, 2009

Town Shootout: Main Street

Yay, it's that time of the week again, Friday Town Shootouts! Before you continue, read this! I actually feature 3 neighborhoods as I always end up going from one end of a certain district to another so yes, I consider the 3 neighborhoods my 'Town'. Here in the Philippines, we don't really use the word town to describe certain locations. Either it's a city, municipality or a province. I live in the capital which is Manila, so I'm going to show you the 3 neighborhoods which I consider my 'Town'. Wait, isn't that a little cheating? LOL. I'm going to show you the best of Manila anyway.

We also don't have 'Main' Streets in here but I understand it's like the busiest and the most important street in a certain place. We sort of have many 'main' streets in here.

That's the Sta. Ana Church in the left and a Police Station beside it. Didn't get a good shot because I can't take my camera out for too long. Someone might snatch it LOL.

Sta.Ana busy Market. I always see the old woman on the right side. A year ago she was selling biscuits now she's only selling cigarettes. Poor lady! May God bless her; she doesn't deserve to work anymore.

Another busy street in Sta. Ana. That is an old school converted to businesses. The tricycles you see here wait all day under the blazing sun.

This is a sidewalk in one of Paco's many main streets. Vendors almost always block the sidewalk, giving little space for pedestrians who are going to cross the streets.

Now we go to Makati. This photo was taken in Makati Ave., one of Makati's many busy and 'main' streets. People almost always encounter traffic in here.

This is not a main street but I just wanted to show this to you guys to give you an idea of the neighborhoods around Manila. The people are always scattered in the roads LOL, tangled wires and vehicles just parked any where people feel like it.

This is one of Makati's extravagant Malls, probably the most popular, Glorietta. This is where I usually go to hang out with friends, watch movies, etc.

Another busy street in Makati.

One busy and important street in Makati. There's the Post Office, a nearby Police and Fire Station which we can't see in this photo, various schools and Call Centers are situated in here. I think this is Gil Puyat Street. Or maybe Avenue? LOL.

Quite a sight in the middle of an intersection in Makati. The Manila Peninsula owns this 'landmark'.

Hope you guys enjoyed as much as I did! Do come to Manila, Philippines, we're probably the friendliest country in all of Southeast Asia. Beat that other Southeast Asian countries! :P Just kidding, haha.

Much Love,

P.S. It's already 2AM in here, I'll edit this post when I wake up in the morning LOL. I have to put in links to the participants.

77 comments:

Nice photos.Though it says this was posted on Thursday I don't know from which timezone we're talking about so I guess it's not the one you're in right now.Philippine, Manila. Looks like a nice place to visit.I don't know about living but for tourism it looks interesting enough for me.I think I would feel at home. Here there are also some streets packed with vendors blocking the sidewalk, people almost harassing you trying to persuade you to buy and all that. You need to know how to act :P

And I see there're some strong contrast between pictures. In one picture we see a street only with houses, packed everywhere with vendors, cars and people while on the other we see a beautiful Mall, well built and all shiny shiny.

I would say that the neighborhoods you pictured here suffered from a huge population expansion in a short span of time right? And due to that the city couldn't accompany the growth rate.

At least that's how many cities developed here in my country.There are some parts that are quite organized but there are many others that are completely disorganized with a maze of streets.

And I do understand what you mean by someone snatching your camera. That could happen here too that's why I don't go out taking pictures, unless I had a less expensive camera. Maybe a disposable camera? I don't think there a disposable digital camera yet...too bad.

Oh, btw, I think I never told where I live right? I thought I was going to post that info in some post in my blog but I ended not doing up until now. Well, since I don't think I'm going to do so in the near future I think it's all right to tell you here that I live in Brazil.

Cool pics I enjoyed seeing them. Best one for me was the landmark view. Very different from my little neck of the woods in Central Pennsylvania. Well I am only a few miles From Harrisburg the Capital. Have a nice weekend HC :)

I've always wondered how it would be to travel to the Philippines! It seems like a great visit! I enjoyed your photos - it's very different from my Longhorn City. We don't have vendors (maybe one or 2 selling food) and we are not allowed to park wherever we feel like it. That would be awesome; though, our vehicles would be gone when we came back to get them. Also, the pedestrians have the right-a-way here. Cars are supposed to stop and let them pass if they're in the correct cross-walk. . .

Wow that's a great post with some striking pictures. Like Shadowmoon said, there is some real start contrast going on. Those Sta.Ana scenes are fascinating. You really captured the moment. Great job, and I'm glad you didn't get your camera ripped off!

The Makati pics are really nice, especially the last one, which reminded me of something you would see on the Las Vegas strip. I hope your readers will click on that pic especially to really appreciate the beauty and detail. If you just glance at that pic, you might think it is steps instead of the waterfalls!

Well it is raining here and is forecasted to rain again tomorrow (Friday), so I'm afraid I won't get to participate in the Town Shootout. I know I should not have waited until the last minute!

What wonderful snaps girl...bravo and well done!!I loved touring the town of Manila through your eyes and lens. What a great interpretation you have of life in your city posted here.You're awesome.(Geez, that number 1 comment was quite the critic huh?? Are they posting Friday Shoot-Outs or just doing some general telling you how to do Friday Shoot-Out's???. WOW right?).

I work somewhere in Makati so some of those streets are very familiar. Have to endure Makati Avenue traffic every day! Looking at the angle of your shot, I'm guessing you took that photo from the 2nd floor of Jollibee? :D tama ba?

Lately, I have been thinking about packing my bags and taking another trip to Southeast Asia. Your photos really make me more determined.

I have been in traffic like that in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh. It is a headache, but it makes you feel alive.

Having shot people on assignments like the woman selling the cigs, I can relate to her. I always felt so sorry for those people. If I could have, I would have taken them all in my arms and brought them home with me.

I have never forgotten a face like that, and I always wonder how those people are doing, and if they are still alive. I would love to send her something. Would it make it through customs.

On a lighter note, it was fun walking around your town with you. You balanced the assignment perfectly, showing both sides of the Philippines. You have some beautiful streets.

@Shadowmoon - I posted this on Friday 2AM. Since we're on the Eastern side of the world, we're ahead than most countries. :P We're actually a pretty diverse country. You see squatters in certain areas and rich people living in the most expensive subdivisions. Since I live in the capital, people from all over the country flock here to find jobs and to feel the city life. And yes, a lot of people live in Manila so every time people walk down the streets, they're elbow to elbow haha! If you want to take pictures, might as well ride a car and fire away from the windows, haha! Cool that you live in Brazil. If I'm not mistaken the capital is Brasilia, right?

@B&B - You should! The provinces are much more beautiful, you'll just see city life and chaos in Manila, haha!

@Lu - The 'landmark' view is much more awesome when you really stand in front of it! Not to mention the Manila Peninsula Hotel, the one owning the pretty architecture. You have a nice weekend too! :)

@Jay - When you get to Southeast Asia, you gotta go to the Philippines for more diversity and friendly people. :P

@Jackc50 - Yes, a lot of people do live in Manila. We're so crowded in here, there are no lands to be bought! :P The best way to go around in Manila? By the usual transportation, Jeepneys. There are a lot of 'em in here. Of course there are Trains too!

I'm posting this comment from an office building near the Makati Post Office now.:O (Yup! No holiday!)

I've wanted to take those kinds of photos, such as tricycles or retailers on the street, but always hesitate to take... I’ll try next time!

By the way, one of my favorite movies is Gone with the Wind too and I was dreaming of wearing a fancy dress and dancing at a ball when I was in my early twenties. But I’m not dreaming anymore… I get old enough…

@Zman - I'll have more pictures for the next Town Shootout, I promise to be the windows for people who might not reach this place LOL.

@Jen - If you think Manila is better, wait til you see the provinces not THAT affected by the city life! It's very interesting to know how different countries are from each other around the globe! This is another interesting fact: vendors almost always sell Pirated DVDs. Beat that haha!

@John - My camera is brand new, the one I posted before, my Dad already gave it to me, haha! I love capturing the moment - good thing the people didn't look when I was taking photos of them or else that would be corny! I love to capture realism! Good thing you clicked the photo, it's one of the best architectures you would see around Manila! There was one time an Artist held a concert on top of those stairs LOL. I don't know what she was thinking but it was awesome! I say try to participate in the next town Shootout! I don't know if it will be easy for you but here's the topic: local foods, restaurants, bars, food vendors. I remembered you live in a farm!

@Reggie Girl - Haha, thanks for all the kind words, I always love hearing from you! You would see more of Manila, and I'll make you guys drool until you come around in here, haha!

@Patty - Wow, you've been in many countries in Asia, I envy you, Ms. Patty! Maybe those countries are much cleaner than the Philippines or almost the same but try to hop on a plane and get here, haha! You have a golden heart, Ms. Patty. I was thinking of buying all her cigs but I don't know what to do with that, haha! Last year I asked my Mom to buy loads of biscuits from her. Mom said the old lady was too happy and was like, "Thank God!" Heartbreaking. All it takes are simple things do make them happy! I wonder where their kids, friends and relatives are. It's really hard to forget faces that you know have suffered so much. Now I think I'm all teary-eyed LOL, I'm excited for next week's assignment. Why don't you feature other parts of Maryland but still focusing more on Crisfield!

Haha aww, would you visit Manila again? I remember the time the waterfalls was new, everyone was saying it was marvelous. Now no one seems to mind already, haha! It's just a nice distraction on the road.

People get used to things and start not giving any more attention. That's pretty common thing.I, for sure, don't give proper credit to many things (buildings, monuments and others) in my city because I seem them everyday and I also believe I'll be able to see it "tomorrow so why care?"

That's why I think it's so hard to help tourists. They want to see the hot spots from my city but I don't even KNOW which spots are these. I don't know what people would like to see...unfortunately I'm not a tourist in my own city.

And yes, you're right, Brasilia is the capital of Brazil. At least the political capital. The economical capital would be the megalopolis São Paulo/Rio de Janeiro. I have seen many foreign saying that Rio or São Paulo is the capital of Brazil...I think it's the same as saying that Sydney is the capital of Australia....people only know about the most important city of the country which may or may not be the political capital.

Yes Shadowmoon, people do get old real quick! It's also the same when a friend goes away. Really sad at first but gets used to it after a few months.

I was about to say Rio De Janeiro, it might actually be the only place I know in Brazil. And then I remember reading a blog back then about Brasilia being the capital and almost every building seems modernized!

Oh, this was GOOD - loved 'walking' around your streets and seeing the people, buildings and the traffic - have to put Manila on my list of places that I have to visit one day!! Thanks for sharing. Warm wishes to you (thanks also for visiting and for your nice comments too!), Vxx

you and I both have the extreme poor versus the richer - their lives are miles apart and to my total frustration the rich make no real effort to improve the lives of the poor - it is like they need them to show their higher status....okay so not the point.Your photos show this contrast and I loved them

Thanks for sharing your photos, I haven't been to Sta. Ana before and first time to see Sta. Ana church too. I've never been to Manila Peninsula....waa I have to go visit Manila again hehehe. I usually spend my visit in QC and I'm not familiar in Manila.

It was funny when you said about the camera that it might get snatch hahaha, really true. Now I miss Philippines na, it's been almost a year since I last visited my relatives but seems like 2 years long.

@Veronica - Oh yes you should! Even if sunny days are literally just like Hell in here, hahaha! But Manila is awesome, so is the rest of the country. I always love your posts! :)

@Ginger - Ooh, so we have the same, huh? Glad to know it's not only the Philippines. The rich gets richer, the poor gets poorer - not a good society but still thriving for some reason - just not united.

@Betsy from Tenessee - Glad you enjoyed, I try to make it a point for my readers to enjoy my blogs. Sometimes I fail, though LOL. I'll try to come to your blog often, Ms. Betsy! :)

@Missy - I've never been in QC. Okay maybe I've been there, something to do with the NSO some parties here and there but a hassle to go there! I once stayed in the Manila Peninsula, before the kudeta if you remember that. Their rooms look awesome and their reception is just majestic. Try to visit again sometime.

@Wrench - Thanks, that's what I'm aiming for, to see the diversity in a community. Unfortunately I can't show the worst of the worst of the poor and the best of the rich. That would be awesome, I think. But I think Anarchists would dig it here, hahaha!

You can't show the best here otherwise people won't want to see it anymore. You need to keep the best for us to see it in person right? :)And, at least me, want something to discover when I visit your city so show just part of it ok?

You don't need to go so far to show us the beauties of Philippines right? There's beauty everywhere and it's only up to you to be able to capture the beauty of the most simple things in your surrounding. That's the magic that cameras can provide. It can make beauty flourish from the most simple and mundane things.

About people forgetting or not paying attention to things we see or are used, I think it may look like something bad or even a cold attitude but I'm actually glad that we have the power to get used to things. I believe that otherwise our lives would be a complete depression since many wouldn't be able to bear sad changes in their lives.

Thank you for the obvious, youthful enthusiasm that makes you a very unigue youn lady. Your shots show great insight and I also enjoyed your commentary. The closest I've come to Manila is the time I mailed a Manila envelope. How could I stoop so low and make a lame joke like that? Walk With Faith! Gordon

@Mark - Here in Manila, we will satisfy whatever you want to see, hahaha!

@Shadowmoon - I'm just gonna show photos of the best ones - of course it's different when you actually get to see it personally and say, "It looks so much better than on photo!". And we're humans, we will survive anything, hahaha!

@Rica - OMG I'm sorry LOL. Okay what I said was, "Oh that sucks having to work, I thought people don't have to work until Black Saturday LOL. It's scary to take pictures outside because someone might snatch my camera. I want to take more pictures because I want people to see more of Manila!" - okay, that's the English Translation for it LOL. Sorry I thought you understand Tagalog LOL.

Dearest Halfcrazy,Thanks sooooo much! We miss the Makati Ave where the fun always starts.. My husband and our friends used to hang out in there and watch the famous bands perform live way back then The most recent is our bar hopping trip to the Handle Bar last year. My other most favourite is the Barrio Fiesta along this area. Congrats to you. Please keep it up, make them all come to our country.. They would surely love it..! You're such a cool girl. Take care always and have a happy Easter with your family.

@FAISAL - Oh sure, is there a set day for it every week or I can just post randomly? Thanks for the invite!

@KRIS - Yeah, that would be fun but I'm not really a Photographer with a rocking DSLR LOL. The second photo I took from a Pedicab while waiting for my Mom to buy vegetables LOL. The third photo we were in a Bank! So yes, I kind of hid in a corner LOL.

@FAISAL - Yes, you guessed it! Each post will remain for 2 or 3 days. I'll have a new post up tomorrow with some Flogging, maybe? I don't need to write down the procedures and ingredients right? LOL.

@RON - Thanks, I'll figure out a way for it to be posted on my site LOL.

@Kris - Oh okay, I thought it's one of those professional cameras everybody is using in these parts LOL. I use that kind of point and shoot camera too. 8MP, nothing very spectacular but enough for now, I guess.

Those pictures reminds me of my college days. I used to pass by a lot in Paco going to school. Lagari din ako sa Makati when I was still in SGV-I/ACT and I used to live near sta.ana race track malapit sa andoks. : )

You are very observant. The old lady is very hardworking. Perhaps she doesnt deserve to work, but sometimes it is just nice to have a purpose in life. In this case she seems to have the purpose and the enthusiasm.

If you let me, you won't forget me.

My life? I go to school in the day, I go to work at night. I got the best of both worlds, so I got nothing but words to spit out. It gets lonely but sometimes it just feels right. This is my life ruled by a 3-month contract and a ticking time bomb towards the day Imma throw my hat up in the air, bypassing plight.